House Republican Press Release

June 6, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. Klarides and Sen. Crisco Applaud STEAP Funds for New Woodbridge Fire House

HARTFORD – State Representative Themis Klarides(R-114) and State Senator Joe Crisco (D-17) applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell’s announcement  that $500,000 in state funding will soon be available to help pay for the construction of a new Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department facility on Newton Road.  The funding comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that is to be approved at the June meeting of the State Bond Commission.

The project will result in a completely new volunteer fire department headquarters and facility.  The current fire department building was constructed 70 years ago, is old and outdated, and has already been expanded three times.

The total cost of the construction project is estimated to be $5.5 million.  Woodbridge is expected to bond the necessary funds to complete the construction. 

“This is excellent news for the dedicated volunteer firefighters of Woodbridge and all the town’s citizens,” said Representative Klarides.  “Investing in our volunteer public safety infrastructure makes good economic sense.  This sizeable state grant will greatly help this vital project become a reality.  I am grateful for Governor Rell’s strong support of local public safety.”

“This funding is a fantastic opportunity for the volunteer fire department in the Town of Woodbridge to provide the best possible service,” said Senator Crisco.  “These individuals, who give so much of their time and risk their lives to protect the citizens, really deserve adequate and top facilities.”

A total of $20 million has been authorized for over 100 small towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year.  The Bond Commission is expected to approve the funding at its next meeting; Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.